The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of ICT & National Guidance Dr. Amina Zawedde has warned media houses and online content creators against live broadcasting of riots and unofficial election results as the country heads to the polls next week.
“Broadcasters and online media practitioners are reminded that live broadcasting or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents is prohibited, as it can escalate tensions and spread panic” Dr Zawedde said.
Dr Zawedde who was addressing media alongside the executive Director UCC Nyombi Thembo on Monday warned that the dissemination of inciting, hateful, or violent content is unlawful and will be dealt with lawfully.
“The declaration of election results remains the sole mandate of the Electoral Commission, and the broadcasting or sharing of unverified or premature results is illegal” she said.
Dr Zawedde noted that the directive also curtails digital content creators from posting unofficial results which could lead to shutdown of their platforms.
“Digital platforms are not exempt from the law. The Computer Misuse Act applies fully to online conduct, including the spread of false information and offensive communication. Freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within the framework of the law” she said.
She added, “I urge media owners, editors, journalists, digital publishers, and the public to rely on verified information and official sources. I also call upon all citizens to act responsibly online and offline, and to reject misinformation intended to cause fear or division”.
UCC’s ED, Nyombi Thembo urged media houses to prioritise professionalism during elections and leave the mandate of declaring election results to the Electoral commission.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of ICT & National Guidance Dr. Amina Zawedde has warned media houses and online content creators against live broadcasting of riots and unofficial election results as the country heads to the polls next week.
“Broadcasters and online media practitioners are reminded that live broadcasting or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents is prohibited, as it can escalate tensions and spread panic” Dr Zawedde said.
Dr Zawedde who was addressing media alongside the executive Director UCC Nyombi Thembo on Monday warned that the dissemination of inciting, hateful, or violent content is unlawful and will be dealt with lawfully.
“The declaration of election results remains the sole mandate of the Electoral Commission, and the broadcasting or sharing of unverified or premature results is illegal” she said.
Dr Zawedde noted that the directive also curtails digital content creators from posting unofficial results which could lead to shutdown of their platforms.
“Digital platforms are not exempt from the law. The Computer Misuse Act applies fully to online conduct, including the spread of false information and offensive communication. Freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within the framework of the law” she said.
She added, “I urge media owners, editors, journalists, digital publishers, and the public to rely on verified information and official sources. I also call upon all citizens to act responsibly online and offline, and to reject misinformation intended to cause fear or division”.
UCC’s ED, Nyombi Thembo urged media houses to prioritise professionalism during elections and leave the mandate of declaring election results to the Electoral commission.
